Latest Mock Draft From Walter Football.

[PantherBrew]

I actually like this site, and I think they did a decent job with this mock.

9 Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

As I mentioned earlier, Fletcher Cox has been moving up draft boards. There's been a ton of buzz about him lately, and it wouldn't shock me if he were selected No. 6 overall. I now have him as the top consensus player available, so he'll be the pick in this spot.

The Panthers have a huge need in the interior of their defensive line. They spent a pair of third-round picks last year on defensive tackles Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. Fua wasn't that bad as a rookie, but McClain was awful, constantly getting abused against the run. Adding an immense talent like Cox would allow Fua and McClain to rotate next to him depending on the situation.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Luke Kuechly, LB - Luke Kuechly is arguably the best prospect available. The Panthers really like him, and with no obvious player to select, they may just pull the trigger on the top linebacker in the 2012 NFL Draft.

2. Stephon Gilmore, CB - The Panthers have a dire need for a cornerback, and interest in Stephon Gilmore is reportedly at an all-time high.

3. Michael Floyd, WR - Floyd will be considered as a strong No. 2 option for Cam Newton.

40. Carolina Panthers: Nick Perry, DE, USC

If the Panthers pass on Quinton Coples at No. 9 overall, they could consider someone like Nick Perry to bolster the defensive end position. The pass defense struggled last year, but part of the reason for that was Carolina's inability to get to the quarterback consistently (31 sacks).

Surprised to see Perry fall into the second round? Don't be on Draft Day if it happens. Perry's stock is reportedly slipping, as Adam Schefter recently wrote that he expects him to be available on Friday.

104. Carolina Panthers: Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State

The Panthers may consider a linebacker here if they don't draft Luke Kuechly. Both Jon Beason and Thomas Davis have major injury concerns.

Was Terrell Manning yesterday

143. Carolina Panthers: Bryan Anger, P, California

The Panthers don't have a punter on the roster. Round 5 is a good time to add one.

Pick change; previously Terrell Manning, OLB

180. Carolina Panthers: Coty Sensabaugh, CB, Clemson

There are many reasons why the Panthers ranked dead last versus aerial attacks in terms of YPA (8.4). One of which is the cornerback position; they don't have anything across from Chris Gamble.

Pick change; previously Asa Jackson, CB

207. Carolina Panthers: Deangelo Peterson, TE, LSU

The Panthers love using multi-tight end sets. They haven't re-signed Jeremy Shockey this offseason, so why not obtain another Hurricane tight end as a replacement?

Pick change; previously Chase Ford, TE

They do seem to change our picks from rounds 2-7 like every other day.

I am sure this is so people keep looking at the updates.

I also dont buy Nick Perry in the 2nd. Seems too much like Everette Brown.

If J. Jenkins or Hosley is there, I dont see how we dont take them.

[GotSwag?]

I like that mock, but im still iffy on getting a DT in the 1st round. Just my personal opinion though. I see the arguments both ways.

[vorbis]

i like nick perry, but he's going to have to be used in specific ways to get the most out of his narrow (but potent) skill set. doesn't seem like a fit for the panthers, even though previously i thought he might be.

[section543]

Don't like spending 5th rounder on P either

[Panther59]

No thanks, would much rather see us pick up a CB in the first(Gilmore/Kirkpatrick) and pick a DT or LB in the 2nd. Hopefully we trade down a few spots and make it happen. And HELL NO to any cLIMPson players. Coty Sensabaugh...LOL

[mr beauxjangles]

walter cherepinsky started his site when he was in high school. i think he's maybe 25 years old now. h'es done a great job getting traffic to his site, but i definitely don't trust his evaluations over guys that have been doing this for decades., and he certainly doesn't have many (if any) connections inside organizations with regards to who teams actually like or have high on their boards.

[DaCityKats]

i like it, and Perry is bigger than Everette Brown. Perry is 6'3 271 normal size for a 4-3 DE, with great speed and did like 30 something reps on the bench. and has the athletic ability to play OLB in a 3-4.

[PantherBrew]

i like it, and Perry is bigger than Everette Brown. Perry is 6'3 271 normal size for a 4-3 DE, with great speed and did like 30 something reps on the bench. and has the athletic ability to play OLB in a 3-4.

Walter is not so sure.

• Weaknesses:
  
• Agility
  
• Could struggle in space as a 3-4 outside linebacker
  
• Doesn't look like natural as a 3-4 linebacker
  

The best fit, and easiest transition, would be for him to stay in a 4-3 defense. Perry should be able to contribute quickly as a base end. However, he is getting consideration from some teams as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Perry looked a little stiff at outside linebacker at the Combine and his Pro Day. He said he feels more comfortable as a defensive end in a 4-3. If Perry is drafted into a 3-4, he may need more developmental time to get used to his new position. He also may want to trim down to improve his agility for pass drops.

I honestly haven't seen much of him.

I do love that we would be investing high picks into the D-line. I believe the D-line is the second most valuable group behind the QB position.

[TruCatzFan]

I can't wait til it's over so that we can analyze all of our selections ad nauseum. Then we can look forward to Wofford, the preseason, and establishing dominance in the NFC South before our bye week.

I just pray that we hit on every single selection

[RockyTopVol]

I've got a serious feeling they're going to take a WR early in this draft, too. Maybe not in the first, but they've shown too much interest in too many receivers for them to just ignore the position in this draft.

[DaCityKats]

Walter is not so sure.

I honestly haven't seen much of him.

I do love that we would be investing high picks into the D-line. I believe the D-line is the second most valuable group behind the QB position.

Intangibles: Projects best as a stand up linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the next level, but doesn't have much experience in this area and there could be a learning curve -- can he play with his hand on the ground at the next level? Lined up in both the two and three-point stance in college. Has good production on his resume, capping off his career with a strong junior season, leading the Pac-12 in sacks. Has questionable instincts when asked to drop in coverage. Appears fatigued late in games and needs to show better conditioning.

-- Dane Brugler

i think he would be best in a hybrid D like ours, but many have projected him to play OLB because of his athletic ability. he said he feels better with his hand in the dirt, but maybe standing him up a couple times a game will not be that bad.

[Panthro]

Perry will be gone in the Top 20. I'd like it just saying

[CRA]

OMG. He is such a Luke fanboy. How dare he suggest Luke could be BPA when Carolina picks

[Panthro]

Ugh another Kuech Sucker